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Palladium Jewelry February 6, 2007

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Engagement Rings, Palladium Jewelry , 7comments

New Jewelry Metal Offers Platinum Quality at White Gold Price
By Jill Renee

Palladium Engagement RingDanforthDiamond.com has selection of beautiful Palladium Engagement Rings. You can also find matching Palladium wedding bands.

View our entire stock of Palladium Jewelry

There is a new jewelry metal on the horizon – palladium. As a platinum group metal, palladium offers customers a host of benefits that white gold and platinum can’t touch. Are customers ready for a white metal that is less expensive than platinum and hypoallergenic unlike white gold? Many jewelers and jewelry stores are banking on it.

Palladium’s steel-white appearance makes it an attractive jewelry alternative to white gold and platinum. However, palladium was difficult to cast with and had not been fit for jewelry casting until recently. Innovations in developing a castable palladium alloy produced 950 palladium, which is ideal for jewelry. It is expected that, within the coming months, consumers will begin to hear more about palladium and its benefits; and palladium could very well be the next revolution in jewelry. Much of this relies on the fact that palladium is in the platinum group of metals and shares many of the same attributes as platinum – high purity, good luster, and white appearance.

Palladium versus Platinum
Much of platinum’s cache is due to its purity. Jewelry cast using pure gold (i.e., 24K) is soft and subject to damage, which threatens the overall look and luster of the jewelry piece. To combat this, gold is commonly mixed with copper or silver to strengthen it. The concerns over gold’s softness are why gold jewelry is typically crafted using 14 or 18 karat gold. Palladium is attractive to consumers in the same way as platinum because it is a purer material that is not fabricated or man made.

2789_1_s_100.jpgAnother benefit of palladium is that it is over 40% lighter than platinum, a characteristic of palladium that has jewelry designers excited. Weight is a consideration that is especially important in earrings as heavier metals and bigger designs can stretch the ear lobe and be too heavy to wear. Larger stones can be set in a palladium design and, because it is less dense, the piece won’t feel overly heavy to the wearer.

The biggest downside to platinum is its price. Often, consumers seeking that white-metal appearance had to settle for white gold or sterling silver because of platinum’s high price tag. Palladium is set to take a large share of the market because of its affordability. Palladium is less expensive than platinum and white gold – a trend that should continue for the near term.

Palladium versus White Gold
Why is palladium more desirable? Unfortunately, white gold jewelry is manufactured using alloys containing nickel and up to 10% of the population experiences an allergic reaction to contact with nickel. Palladium is hypoallergenic so there are not the allergy concerns that plague white gold.

Also, palladium is harder than white gold making it more durable and less likely to mar. Durability is an issue particularly when it comes to mountings. If a gem stone is set using mountings made with a softer metal, the likelihood that one of the prongs could fail and the stone could fall out is higher. Often jewelers will use a harder metal in a ring setting to combat this but with palladium the entire jewelry piece can be made with the same metal.

A Growing Market
At this time refiners are working to provide 950 palladium to jewelry manufacturers and designers and many stores are set to educate consumers on palladium. All are expecting palladium to find a market as messages about its lower price and platinum-like characteristics are presented to consumers. The demand for palladium jewelry will dictate how quickly it is integrated into designer’s product lines and jewelry stores catalogs. Palladium will likely be used in the same jewelry categories as platinum, especially engagement rings and wedding jewelry.

Pros and Cons to Palladium January 4, 2007

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Engagement Rings, Buying Jewelry, Palladium Jewelry , 12comments

At our consumer jewelry site DanforthDiamond.com I received a very good question about palladium. Below I have posted the question and my answer concerning the pros and cons of palladium. – Jill

I have been looking at engagement rings lately with my boyfriend recently and have heard a little about palladium. I found your website very informative, but it is very hard to find information on palladium. Are there any downsides to a palladium engagement ring? It seems that it is almost identical to platinum, except for the price and the fact that palladium is lighter in weight, which are both appealing characteristics to me. I feel like this is too good to be true and I am finding it difficult to get more information. I found a ring that is made by a very reputable ring designer which can be made in palladium and I would like to know if I would be happy with a palladium engagement ring for the rest of my life. Are there cons to all the pros of palladium? I really appreciate any additional information you can give me.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Stephanie

Dear Stephanie,
The only con to palladium jewelry is that it is a harder metal to manufacture with. However, this should not affect your purchase in any way. It matters most to the jeweler who is more accustomed to working with gold and platinum than the consumer. If you have seen a palladium ring and you like it you should not hesitate to make the purchase. Hope this helps and all the best wishes, Jill Renee

Save Big Bucks When Shopping on the Web January 3, 2007

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Engagement Rings, Buying Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Engagement Rings, Jewelry, Proposing Marriage , add a comment

When shopping for gifts, whether for ourselves or someone else, all of us are looking to save a few dollars. No matter what you’re shopping for, from a diamond engagement ring for popping the question to a scarf for Grandma – you will save big bucks by shopping online.

The key to maximizing your savings is knowing where to look to find the best bargain. And comparison shopping, by visiting various websites, is the only way to go. Instead of fighting the hustle and bustle that comes with comparison shopping at various brick-and-mortar locations, you can find better pricing options and cover more stores with the click of your mouse.

In the past, shipping and handling fees may have deterred you from shopping online, but retailers have started minimizing or waving those fees for customers who spend a certain collar amount. And while major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Macy’s have online websites, you may be able to stretch your dollar further by shopping with other established, smaller E-tailers.

Here are some examples of price comparisons between different websites and traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. (more…)

Online Diamond Jewelry Retailer Joins StopBloodDiamonds.org January 2, 2007

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Engagement Rings, Diamonds, Press Releases , add a comment

Richmond, VA – January 2, 2006 – DanforthDiamond.com, an online diamond jewelry retailer committed to offering conflict-free diamonds, recently joined StopBloodDiamonds.org. For information about Danforth Diamond or to see their conflict-free diamond jewelry, visit: http://www.danforthdiamond.com.

Company president Jill Renee said the company decided to join the organization because though they are already in compliance with the Kimberley Process, they wanted to go one step further to assure customers of their commitment to conflict-free diamonds.

“We are in the diamond business, and we acknowledge there have been problems in the diamond trade.” Renee said. “We joined StopBloodDiamonds.org because we want to help our customers feel confident that the diamonds they purchase from us are legitimate and conflict-free.”

Years of war have plagued Angola, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, countries at the center of the conflict diamonds controversy (conflict diamonds are also called blood diamonds because of the violence associated with them).

The Kimberley Process was enacted in 2003 as a joint government, international diamond industry and civil society initiative to stem the international flow of conflict diamonds. Retailers in compliance with the initiative meet a certain set of criteria, know where their diamonds come from and have documentation that guarantees their diamond inventory is conflict-free.

By joining StopBloodDiamonds.org, DanforthDiamond.com joins a growing community of jewelers who are seriously committed to conflict-free diamonds. To become a member, DanforthDiamond.com was required to:

“The last thing you want is to look at a gift that is going to last you a lifetime and wonder if someone died so that you could have that diamond,” Renee says. “And at DanforthDiamond.com, you can buy any diamond in our inventory and enjoy it for a lifetime with a clear conscience.”

 

Company Contact:
Jill Renee
http://www.danforthdiamond.com
Phone: 877-404-7464

Christin Mills
http://www.danforthdiamond.com
Phone: 877-404-7464

Press Release Contact:
Holly Rodriguez
http://www.bigoakinc.com

 

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After the proposal November 9, 2006

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Engagement Rings, Engagement Rings, Jewelry, Proposing Marriage , add a comment

Getting engaged is an incredibly exciting time, and you should make an effort to really enjoy it. You and your fiance have made a commitment of love to each other, you have a gorgeous engagement ring as a testament of his love for you, and you are planning a loving future together.

While the official move from girlfriend to fiancee is an unforgettable experience, you may be tempted to hyperventilate when you take a look at the list of everything that needs to be done – the parents meeting if they haven’t met yet; the engagement party; choosing attendants for the wedding; choosing and ordering a dress; finding a venue; the cake – the list goes on and on.

But no need to panic – we have an article that offers an overview to help you begin.

So, take a deep breath, pour yourself a great glass of wine, give this a quick read and enjoy the ride toward wedding bliss.

(more…)

Romantic Christmas Gift Ideas She’ll Love November 9, 2006

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Engagement Rings, Diamond Jewelry, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Jewelry, Romantic Tips , add a comment

The spirit of the holiday season is a time when we attempt to extend a little more kindness to our fellow man (or woman), create memories with our families and express our love and gratitude through gifts. But finding that one Christmas gift idea for your girlfriend, fiancée or wife can be a daunting task when faced with the incredible number of options out there.

If you’re just stumped and can’t quite decide on what to give her, but you are looking for romantic Christmas gift ideas that will sweep her off of her feet, keep in mind that the best Christmas gift ideas require some time and effort on your part.

Here are some ideas that go beyond the impersonal gift certificate or typical scarf to get you thinking about some alternatives that may put a sparkle in her eye this Christmas.

A Christmas Engagement

There are few romantic Christmas gift ideas that can top getting engaged over the holidays. You are giving her the gift of your love and commitment, and her finger is decorated with a beautiful testament to your feelings for her. (more…)

The Perfect Ring, The Perfect Proposal September 8, 2006

Posted by in : Buying Diamonds, Buying Engagement Rings, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Proposing Marriage , add a comment

There is something enchanting about purchasing a diamond engagement ring for your soul mate. It can be a burden and a pleasure. The market is full of beautiful rings, ones that would look perfect on her hand. Classic engagement rings have a timeless beauty that transcends time and tradition. Today, many couples share the search for a diamond engagement ring. There are many benefits to shopping together. The diamond engagement ring is the most precious piece of jewelry most women will ever own.

Even though this makes it impossible to follow the traditional pattern of proposals, it opens up new methods of making the moment special. It only takes a little imagination to create the perfect, traditional proposal.

Creating the perfect proposal does not need to involve the diamond engagement ring – yet. Plan five stages, each one romantic, and designed to foreshadow the impending proposal.

There is an old Persian custom where the couple takes the first sip of a drink from their spouce’s glass. This custom was started to thwart would be murderers, but the custom has changed over the years to become a romantic and even intimate exchange between lovers. This old custom can be used to build up to a proposal.

Dinner in a fine restaurant is also one way to suggest that something special is about to happen, without giving away the intent. Choice of restaurant is important. It must not be so fancy that the woman feels uncomfortable – but it shouldn’t be a restaurant that you visit often. A restaurant with a lovely lake view, china place settings, and delicate meals, is all that is necessary. One tip, remember to make sure the restaurant serves her favorite meal and wine.

A proposal can start in the early afternoon, climaxing late at night. For example, taking a trip to wine country for an afternoon taste tour, and then ending it with a gourmet dinner in their dining room is a fine prelude to a proposal. Then, use the Persian custom to suggest that you are ‘up to something.’ This will create anticipation.

Still, for some people, the perfect proposal must include a diamond engagement ring. If you have been dreaming of this type of proposal, then try some alternatives that blend old and new together seamlessly. One is to tie a pair of diamond earrings, or a pendent, to the stem of your glass. After putting them on your beloved, you can suggest finding a diamond engagement ring to match.

Before buying a diamond engagement ring, take the time to learn more about styles and ‘realistic’ prices. Every diamond is as unique as the person who wears it. That is why it is important to look at what is available at a diamond retailer like DanforthDiamond.com They offer more rings than most people are aware of. Their selection of diamonds allows you to select a diamond to match your soul mate’s style and taste.

Palladium Jewelry: The Inexpensive Treasure August 17, 2006

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Engagement Rings, Engagement Rings, Jewelry, Palladium Jewelry , 2comments

Palladium Engagement RingThere is a new jewelry metal on the horizon – palladium. As a platinum group metal, palladium offers customers a host of benefits that white gold and platinum can’t touch. Are customers ready for a white metal that is less expensive than platinum and hypoallergenic unlike white gold? Many jewelers and jewelry stores are banking on it.Palladium’s steel-white appearance makes it an attractive jewelry alternative to white gold and platinum. However, palladium was difficult to cast with and had not been fit for jewelry casting until recently.

Innovations in developing a castable palladium alloy produced 950 palladium, which is ideal for jewelry. It is expected that, within the coming months, consumers will begin to hear more about palladium and its benefits; and palladium could very well be the next revolution in jewelry. Much of this relies on the fact that palladium is in the platinum group of metals and shares many of the same attributes as platinum – high purity, good luster, and white appearance.

Which Engagement Ring Design Best Suits Her Style? May 18, 2006

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Engagement Rings, Engagement Rings, Jewelry, Wedding Jewelry , add a comment

Choosing an engagement ring
The first consideration when choosing an engagement ring style is your loved one’s lifestyle.

Is she very active? Will her engagement ring need to stand up to an adventurous lifestyle of mountain climbing?

If your beloved is very active, you should probably stay away from stone shapes that are easily chipped or broken. Pear and Marquise shaped diamonds contain points that can easily chip. High settings are also more inclined to suffer damage from hitting hard surfaces and catching on everyday objects and clothing.

However, if your fiancé has her heart set on a shape or style of ring that is among the more fragile and she has an active lifestyle, make sure you order a “V-end” prong setting which will protect the points of the diamond.

Determine How It Will Look On Her Hand
Are her hands small, and are her fingers short? Or does she have a long and slender hand? These are questions you will need to consider when choosing your engagement ring style.

Pick The Diamond Shape that’s Right for Her

A broad banded ring will not flatter a small hand with short fingers, however, it will balance the proportion of a long slender fingered hand. A small ring will make a larger hand appear bigger and most women do not like that! Hand size and proportion are very important when deciding on the engagement ring. Take a good look at your loved one’s hand and decide what size of engagement ring will look best. You can still choose from all of the styles, but you must keep proportion in mind.

Finally, remember that you will purchase a wedding band to be given on the day of your marriage. It is important that the engagement ring and wedding band complement one another. We offer a wide variety of wedding ring sets to make this process effortless.

Selecting a Diamond Within Your Budget May 18, 2006

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Engagement Rings, Diamonds, Jewelry , add a comment

There are four factors diamond experts consider when valuing a diamond. They are Cut, Color, Carat Weight and Clarity. These four factors add up to the final cost of the diamond. Which is the most important factor for you to consider? Most experts believe the cut and proportion are the most important factors in determining a diamond’s value. They are what give the diamond its sparkle and brilliance. That is why we only sell good or better cut diamonds at DanforthDiamond.com, not cheap diamonds that have no luster. The brilliant shine from our expertly cut diamonds will add sparkle to your life for eternity. That being said, you will need to consider the other factors when choosing your diamond and we have included a brief summary below.

Remember, the most important factor is your own personal preference and taste.

Read the entire article on choosing a diamond within your budget.

Need Expert Guidance on Choosing an Affordable Engagement Ring?

Questions about Buying Diamonds?

We are here to help you via phone, Mondays-Fridays, 9AM-9PM EST. Please call 1.877.404.RING toll-free. Outside the U.S. and Canada, call 001.804.794.1118.

Or, email us ANYTIME at experts@danforthdiamond.com. It is our goal to respond to your email within one business day.